Free Temporomandibular Joint and Mastication MCQs with Answers

• A. Lateral pterygoid
• B. Masseter
• C. Temporalis
• D. None of the above

Explanation: Retrusion is mainly produced by the posterior fibres of temporalis, which pull the mandible backward after it has been protruded.

• A. Medial pterygoid
• B. Temporalis
• C. Massetor
• D. Lateral pterygoid

Explanation: The superior head of the lateral pterygoid inserts into the articular disc and joint capsule, while its inferior head inserts mainly into…

• A. Working side
• B. Balancing side
• C. Tooth contact side
• D. Non- working side

Explanation: The working side is the side toward which the mandible moves during lateral excursion.

• A. Lateral pterygoid
• B. Massetor
• C. Temporalis
• D. Medial pterygoidMedical Photos & Illustration

Explanation: The lateral pterygoid assists in depressing and protruding the mandible by pulling the condyle and disc forward.

• A. Medial pterygoid
• B. Massetor
• C. Digastric
• D. Temporalis

Explanation: Digastric is a depressor of the mandible when the hyoid is fixed, not an elevator.

• A. Medial pterygoid
• B. Masseter
• C. Superior constrictor of pharynx
• D. Lateral pterygoid

Explanation: Translation of the condyle during protrusion and opening is chiefly produced by the lateral pterygoid.

• A. Lateral pterygoid
• B. Medial pterygoid
• C. Temporalis - anterior fibers
• D. Temporalis- posterior fibers

Explanation: Forward movement, or protrusion, is chiefly performed by bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles.

• A. Anterior
• B. Intermediate
• C. Posterior
• D. retrodiscal

Explanation: The intermediate zone is the thinnest part of the articular disc and is positioned between the thicker anterior and posterior bands.

• A. Coronioid process
• B. Posterior aspect of TMJ
• C. Mandibular condyle
• D. Lateral aspect of TMJ

Explanation: The temporomandibular ligament is the lateral thickening of the joint capsule, extending from the zygomatic region to the neck of the…

• A. All of the above
• B. Lateral pterygoid
• C. Geniohyoid
• D. Digastric

Explanation: Mandibular depression is assisted by the digastric and geniohyoid muscles when the hyoid is stabilized, while the lateral pterygoid pulls…

• A. Left lateral pterygoid
• B. Right lateral pterygoid
• C. Right medial pterygoid
• D. Left medial pterygoid

Explanation: The lateral pterygoid pulls its condyle forward during opening; if one side is paralysed, the functioning opposite muscle produces…

• A. Capsular ligament
• B. Articular disc
• C. Sigmoid notch
• D. Joint cavities

Explanation: The sigmoid notch is a depression between the coronoid and condylar processes and is not part of the TMJ itself.

• A. All of the above
• B. Narrow in the centre
• C. Strengthened by lateral pterygoid
• D. Thickest posteriorly

Explanation: The articular disc is biconcave, with a thin central zone and thicker peripheral bands, especially posteriorly; its anterior part is…

• A. Only hinge ( rotation )
• B. Hinge followed by translation
• C. Only translation
• D. Translation followed by hinge

Explanation: Normal mouth opening begins with rotation of the condyle in the lower joint compartment and continues with anterior translation of the…

• A. Lower head of lateral pterygoid muscle
• B. Sphenomandibular ligament
• C. Upper head of lateral pterygoid muscle
• D. Superficial head of medial pterygoid muscle

Explanation: The superior head of the lateral pterygoid inserts into the capsule and articular disc, helping control the disc during translation and…

• A. Temporalis - posterior fibers
• B. Medial pterygoid
• C. Temporalies- anterior fibers
• D. Lateral pterygoid

Explanation: The lateral pterygoid pulls the condyle and disc forward, producing anterior and downward movement along the articular eminence.